Nestled on an 8- acre wooded campus, the rush of running water and goldfish darting about signal that you have arrived at the front door of our enchanting school. The Collage campus beckons you to be present, centered and curious. We intentionally engage all of the senses for a richer experience. As our learners arrive each day, they sense the nurturing and responsive warmth of their school home. Childhood is honored with a pace that feels appropriate for each child’s age and developmental stage. Our mascot is the OWL, which is an acronym for Observe, Wonder, Learn. Teachers provide time both in the classroom and outside in the woods for children to observe, wonder and learn as they pursue their interests and discover their passions.

In support of progressive-based education, the faculty at Collage create aesthetically inviting and developmentally appropriate classroom environments that empower children. Faculty target children’s interests in the natural world and expand their critical and creative thinking skills with the highest level of respect for children and their capabilities. As a school family, we carefully observe and tune into what children are noticing and their theories about how things work. It is by listening carefully that we can provide experiences that encourage children to investigate further, consider the complexity and construct deep understanding of concepts thorough their own personal experience. Character development and civic engagement are a daily priority as children learn to be helpers in the classroom and complete service projects to benefit others.

At Collage Day School, we work diligently to prepare our students for the 21st century world currently undergoing exciting changes propelled by technological advances. Children learn to be flexible in their thinking, communicate clearly and collaborate with others to solve problems. They have ample time to innovate and investigate, verify the accuracy of information and to develop the self-confidence and self-direction that encourages life-long learning. Project-based learning is embedded into our curriculum and includes many opportunities for children to hone oral, written and visual communication skills to document, represent and share their learning with parents and visitors who come to see their learning exhibitions.

CDS was established with a focus on wellness and healthy living for all our students and families. Parents are welcome to attend weekly health and wellness classes on campus and attend workshops and trainings that support our children and families. Students have ongoing daily opportunities to be physically active, connect with nature and learn strategies to be calm and peaceful. In addition, children enjoy resources and enrichment classes including Yoga, PE, Horticulture, Music, Dance, Farm to Table, STEAM, Art, Spanish and TimberNook. Sharing the campus with rabbits, chickens, guinea pigs, and other pets in residence, children of all ages are invited to linger. Come explore our campus and discover why all children thrive at CDS!

I look forward to meeting you and your children!

Dr. Katie Falwell